More than 200 species of moray eels are found throughout the world's tropical and subtropical seas. Ranging in size from the red faced eel, Monopenchelys acuta, which grows to only 8 inches in length to the giant moray, Strophidon spp. (12.5 feet), all share a similar body pattern and habits. The latterly flattened body allows them access to the narrow caves and crevices that form their home base. Indeed, many spend their entire lives within close proximity to their cave, leaving only to mate and to forage nearby.

All moray eels are carnivorous, and will readily accept fresh and frozen meat based foods such as crustaceans and mollusks. Well-fed animals will coexist with smaller fish, but there is always the possibility of predation. On the other hand, morays are not quick feeders, and indeed can be rather shy about this, so you must take care that they are getting enough food if they are housed with large, aggressive fish. Moray eels, like all eels in general, are master escape artists. Although they can withstand a good deal of time out of water, great care should be taken that they do not escape. If this does happen, be sure to move the animal back and forth in the aquarium once it is replaced, so that water is forced through the gills, and it begins to breathe regularly.

Brilliantly patterned in black and white, the small snowflake moray, Echnida nebulosa (40 inches) is an ideal first choice if you are considering keeping moray eels. Many individuals become quite tame, extending their bodies from their lairs to accept food offered on forceps. They are, like other members of their family, slow feeders, and so are best individually fed if kept in a community aquarium. Be sure, however, to employ forceps or a feeding tube, as, despite their small size, they can give a nasty bite. Snowflakes will readily accept all manner of frozen or fresh foods such as shrimp, mollusks, and fish. See color insert for a photo of a green moray eel.